In the colorful cityscape of Mexico City, Laurel Springs 2018 graduate, Mauro Alvarado, began a journey that would take him to different cities and countries, through the competitive world of college athletics, and into the sophisticated realm of actuarial and data science. As a self-described “energetic and focused person,” Mauro’s story is one characterized by adaptability, self-discovery, determination, and the powerful impact an online education can have on a young adult’s passion pursuits.

From Mexico City to the Competitive Tennis Courts

“Growing up in Mexico City really made me like big cities,” Mauro shares, his voice tinged with the nostalgia of a place that shaped his early dreams and aspirations. The bustling streets and vibrant culture of his hometown prompted a love for dynamic and mentally-stimulating environments – a trait that would later guide his educational and career choices.

At the age of 10, Mauro started playing tennis competitively alongside his sister. “I really loved all sports, specifically tennis and soccer; but after one season of playing both, I had to decide which one I would pursue more intentionally. I chose tennis based on the results I got during that time.” Mauro goes on to explain how he believes this was one of the best decisions he could make because it led him to a college scholarship, something that isn’t common (at least with soccer) in Mexico.

In his sophomore year of high school, Mauro took off to California for 6 months to play at Advantage Tennis Academy. Afterward, he moved to Monterrey, Mexico with his family – looking to further improve his tennis level before he headed to college in Dallas, Texas. “My childhood had a big impact on who I am today,” he says. “I saw how hard everyone around me was working, which helped me understand that things do not come for free – especially big ambitions like playing college-level tennis. But I knew that if I were to try hard enough, the possibilities of me succeeding would increase.”

Finding Balance In the Game

Mauro discovered Laurel Springs through Advantage Tennis Academy: “It was one of their online school options, and I felt like it was a learning environment that resonated with me and my ambitions.” He continues, “I was looking for high schools that allowed me to keep up with tennis and travel for tournaments without sacrificing my academics. When I found Laurel Springs, I knew it was the best option.” This balance between his athletic pursuits and academic responsibilities was crucial for Mauro, setting the foundation for his future success as a top DIII athlete and driven academic.

A typical day for Mauro was a mix of tennis practice and dedicated study sessions. “I would start with tennis or conditioning in the morning, followed by a few hours break for school, then afternoon practice, and sometimes more schoolwork in the evening,” he shares. When traveling for tournaments, I would get some work done during the weekend so I could focus on playing the days of the matches.“

This meticulous schedule wasn’t just about balancing two worlds; it was a training ground for the self-discipline and time management skills that would become invaluable in his college years and entry into the workforce. “Working on your own time and managing the importance of tasks is not an easy thing to do, but Laurel Springs helped me get better at this. When I learned to just try my hardest and continue focusing on my goals, my ability to time manage and remain self-disciplined closely followed. These are skills that you don’t often learn in a traditional learning environment. Without Laurel Springs, I truly don’t think I would have been as prepared for college and my remote career.”

Mauro’s Dual Passion for Data and Athletics

The decision to pursue a double degree in Actuarial Science and Data Science at The University of Texas at Dallas was driven by Mauro’s love for math and his interest in finance. “I was never a big fan of other science classes like Biology or Chemistry, but I was intrigued by the financial world,” he explains. His exposure to actuarial science through a tennis coach and his admiration for his uncle, an economist, sparked a curiosity that helped define his academic path. And, after recognizing that a close friend’s Data Science course plan was similar to his Actuarial Science one, he decided to take on both majors!

Mauro also played on the tennis team at the University of Texas at Dallas – winning the conference with his teammates his freshman year. As a student-athlete for most of his life, he was very familiar with the challenges that came with playing a competitive sport. “In college, again, it was a matter of focusing on what I was working on at the time and giving it my all,” he explains. “As long as I was trying my best and continuing to progress, things worked out, and that’s what I’d tell any other student-athlete trying to successfully balance school and athletics.”

Where Family, Science, Adventure and Dreams Collide

Today, Mauro works remotely as an Actuary for a life insurance company – harnessing the strong analytical skills and business knowledge he acquired during his years at school. “I am really looking forward to continuing to learn at my job and achieving my FSA Credential,” which is an elite certification given to individuals after they pass 9 exams and complete a variety of seminars, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to understand the relationship between sustainability and a company’s financial performance.

“I am also really committed to growing financially and would like to eventually have a family,” he shares. “And while I’m not a competitive athlete anymore, I still love to workout and hope to explore sports like snowboarding that I didn’t get to try while I was in school due to injury risk.”

As Mauro thrives in his early career and dreams of a future marked by outdoor activity, continued learning, financial growth, and family, we champion him from afar here at Laurel Springs School. His journey is a vivid illustration of how the right educational environment intertwined with a sincere desire to succeed can make all the difference in a young adult’s passion pursuits. For students who see themselves in Mauro’s story, know that you will excel in whatever you want to do so long as you put your whole heart and mind into it. Take Mauro’s word: “Things always workout when you give it your all – even when there are bumps along the way.”

To connect with Mauro and follow along on his personal journey, you can connect with him on the LSS Alumni Connect Platform, or find him on LinkedIn and Instagram!

And, to discover more about how Laurel Springs School can support your academic and athletic journey, visit our website or join us for a virtual open house!

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